Value in the nature of coelenterates. What is the significance of coelenterates in nature and in life

Despite the rather simple features of the structure, the importance of coelenterates in nature is very noticeable. And the total number of representatives of this type reaches 10 thousand species. Diversity of their habitats is also diverse: from small fresh water bodies to the deep-water depressions of the oceans. What importance do coelenterates have in nature, we briefly consider in our article.

origin of name

These multicellular animals do not accidentally have the name of a taxonomic unit. The fact is that the ini have an intestinal cavity in which food digestion takes place. It enters her through the mouth opening with the help of tentacles. Specialized glandular cells secrete digestive enzymes inside the body cavity, under the influence of which the digestion process takes place.

Character traits

The importance of coelenterates in nature and human life largely determine the characteristics of their structure. First of all, these are two layers of the body: the outer and the inner. They consist of specialized cells. Each of their kind performs certain functions. Intermediate in the division give rise to new cells, the nerve unite the body into a single whole and cause its interrelation with the environment. And due to the presence of skin-muscle cells, coelenterates can contract, bend and move.

Stem cells are the "visiting card" of coelenterates . They are located in the outer layer of the body. These cells consist of a capsule, inside of which is a twisted filament with a sharp end. Outside the cell is a sensitive hair. When an individual touches someone, the crochet thread unwinds and clings forcefully into the body of the victim. In this case, a poisonous substance is also introduced. It can not only paralyze, but also lead to the death of the body.

Freshwater hydra

The value of coelenterates in nature and for humans can be considered by the example of their typical representative - hydra. This small organism is a link in the food chain. Of course, for fish fry, they are inaccessible, since they are fired by stinging cells. But for the branched eel, their action is not terrible, so they feed on the tissues of this species of coelenterates. The surface of the body hydr is ideally suited for the dwelling of different kinds of infusoria.

The discovery and study of hydra structure features was an important stage in the development of taxonomy. Experiments with participation of this organism were proof that regeneration and inability to sexual process are not their distinctive features. The name of the hydra was given by the founder of the systematics of Carl Linnaeus. He had in mind the eponymous mythological character, who quickly recovered severed heads. Freshwater hydra also affects its ability to regenerate. It can fully recover from the 1/200 part!

Hydra cleans water from organic particles, being a natural filter.

Dangerous burns

What is the significance of coelenterates in nature, we have considered a little. Everyone who has experienced the action of stinging jellyfish cells, should be interested in this topic. They are located on the surface of their bell and mouth cavities. Meeting with many of these organisms can be unsafe.

In the tropical seas, there are colonies of the Portuguese ship. The poison of their stinging cells causes severe burns, painful sensations, disturbances in the rhythm of breathing and the work of the heart. If you do not help the victim in time, the outcome can be lethal. The inhabitants of the northern areals are equally dangerous: the sea wasp and cyanogen.

In case of severe burns, it is necessary to remove the stinging cells from the skin with the help of tissue, treat the affected area with ammonia, alcohol or soda solution. If the exposure was severe, you should immediately consult a doctor.

Jellyfish

Translucent umbrellas of jellyfish, unlike polyps, are able to move actively. They are typical predators, hunting invertebrates and fish. Some species of jellyfish are capable of reactive movement. Others, for example, a marine flashlight and others, slowly creep from place to place.

What significance do coelenterates have in nature that lead a mobile way of life? Naturally, this is an important and indispensable component of marine ecosystems and food chains.

In addition to poisonous species, in nature are known and edible. In many countries of Asia they are a favorite delicacy.

Like hydras, jellyfish are the object of experimental zoology. A device capable of predicting earthquakes, storms and storms is constructed on the basis of the structure of these marine inhabitants.

Corals

The value in the nature of coelenterates is also interesting to consider with the example of colonial coral polyps. In appearance, they do not resemble animals at all, especially as they lead an attached way of life. Propagation by budding, the protrusions formed do not split off. As a result, structures of a bizarre shape are obtained. Their inner skeleton is formed by calcium carbonate or solid organic substances.

The coral polyp of actinia looks like a bright, fantastic flower. Most of them lead a predatory life, hunting small mollusks, crustaceans and fish. There are also filterers. Such anemones feed on algae, bacteria and protozoa in the water. At the same time they perform an additional function - they purify the water.

Underwater house

What significance in nature are the coelenterates, the hermit crab knows for sure. And this is not really a joke. The thing is that without this polyp, cancer simply can not exist. Actinia, in turn, receives the remains of cancer food and uses it as a means of transportation. Changing the shell, the animal transplants it and its polyp. And in the literal sense of the word. He strokes the actinium of the claws so that she crawls to a new place. Here is an amazing mutually beneficial "cohabitation".

Attention: reefs

Coral reefs are of particular importance in the nature of coelenterates . These are large colonies of polyps, the number of individuals in which reaches millions. The largest of these is the Great Barrier Reef, which stretches along the Australian coast of the Pacific Ocean.

This natural formation serves as a habitat for many species of algae, crustaceans, mollusks, worms and fish. In the coastal tropical island countries, people collect on the reef edible marine plants and animals. A limestone, obtained from skeletons of reefs, is used in construction. Since corals are formed by a very hard substance, they protect the coasts of continents and islands from erosion. Due to their aesthetic appeal, they make jewelry, household items, souvenirs. Many researchers believe that life on small tropical islands without reefs would be simply impossible. It's all about the high biological productivity of this natural underwater ecosystem, the reasons for which scientists have yet to find out.

Due to their unique structural features and species diversity, the importance in the nature of coelenterates is important enough and determines their prominent role in the natural ecosystems of the planet.